In a bold move, Republican Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is threatening to block all action on nominees and legislation in response to the lack of progress on passing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after the ICC’s recent indictments of top leaders of both Israel and Hamas, which has drawn bipartisan criticism.
According to sources familiar with the dynamics, there have been efforts by a bipartisan group of senators to work on ICC legislation. However, Senator Risch’s spokesperson, Suzanne Wrasse, stated that despite several offers to negotiate, Democrats have not responded substantively.
Republicans are pushing for the Senate to take up a sanctions bill that passed the House last week, as the number of legislative days before the August recess is dwindling. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, is working to reach a deal with Republicans on bipartisan sanctions legislation.
Senator Cardin recently met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss the issue. While a resolution is still unclear, Cardin remains committed to finding a bipartisan solution that will also have the support of President Joe Biden.
Risch has expressed his eagerness for the ICC legislation to be on the agenda of the committee’s next meeting. This story will continue to be updated with any new developments.
